Author

Barbara Poczyniak R.Ac

Acupuncture can be an amazing asset to your health and well being - that is if you trust the process and know what to expect. Here are my top 5 Tips to help you get the most out of acupuncture and make it work for you.

Getting the Most out of Acupuncture Treatments

Commit to a Plan

After going over your health history and treatment goals in the first visit, we will put a treatment plan outlining the number and frequency of acupuncture visits you can expect. If you have not had acupuncture before, the first couple of visits can give us valuable information on how your body responds to the treatment.​It is important to commit to at least 3 treatments at the beginning, especially if you are dealing with a chronic issue (ie. Migraines for the past year) or something that is potentially complex (ie. Fertility challenges). Acupuncture very rarely solves the problem in 1-2 visits. Even if you feel that nothing is happening after the first 1-2 treatments, it is often the case that small changes are already happening. Often the first things you may notice after an acupuncture treatment are improved sleep, better digestion and being better able to deal with stressful situations.​

Schedule Acupuncture Accordingly

Regardless of why you are getting acupuncture, it is generally a very relaxing treatment. The blissed out state often lasts for several hours after the needles are out. The aim of being in this relaxed state is that it mimics our body's own 'relaxation response' or the 'rest and digest state'. These are the states in which our body's 'fight or flight' mechanisms are subdued and we are able to rest and heal in a natural manner. For this reason, I suggest maxing out the zen vibe and booking your treatments for a time when you can recharge afterwards. It does not mean you have to go right to bed, but probably best not to schedule acupuncture right before an intense workout.​

Consistency is Key

Sometimes new patients ask if coming in for acupuncture once per month is enough. At the beginning of the treatment plan we need to see you a number of times, usually quite close together. Depending on the nature of the issue, this might be twice per week for a couple of weeks or sometimes just once per week. Acupuncture's effects are cumulative, so that each treatment builds on the last one. If you go too far in between treatments we lose progress and have to start again from scratch each time.

Note that in China, a typical treatment plan is to come in daily for a regimen of 7-10 days – that is how acupuncture is ideally meant to work. That may not be possible for most of us, but consistency can still pay off if you stick to regularly timed visits. Once your health goal is achieved, it is often possible to just come in for maintenance visits – at that point it may well serve you to come in once per month as a 'tune up'.

Acupuncture is part of a Medical System

It is important to know that acupuncture is only one aspect of Chinese Medicine, and it is usually not the first tool that we reach for in most situations. Given that Chinese Medicine is a whole body medicine we also consider and counsel you on the following: lifestyle (including sleep quality and quantity, movement/exercise and how you cope with daily stress), diet and hydration, body and/or mind exercises that can help alleviate symptoms as well as address the root cause of the issue.

Make Self Care part of your Treatment Plan

I love to add self care suggestions for patients to do in between treatments. This may be something simple like a breathing exercise to castor oil packs or even pelvic steams. My suggestions vary, depending on the issue and also on how keen you are to work on this at home in between treatments. I usually find better, faster results for those who can incorporate some 'homework' on their own.

Interested in learning more about Acupuncture and if it is the right choice for you? We offer a free 20 minute consult that can be​booked here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note the content on this website is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, nor is it meant to diagnose or treat a health problem, symptom or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication, nutritional supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. Information provided on this website does not create professional relationship between you and Vital Bloom Wellness or Barbara Poczyniak.